Phoenix Suns fans have hoped for a play-in tournament if NBA games were to return, however one scenario would actually exclude the Suns from participation.
One of the many options for the NBA returning to play would include a play-in tournament. We have speculated that if this were to be the case, it would be great news for the Phoenix Suns as they would get an opportunity to play in some meaningful games. Monty Williams even commented that he liked his team’s chances in this format, giving credence to the idea this was more than simply a Spencer Dinwiddie extravagant brainchild.
However, according to the New York Post, one of the play-in tournament options would actually exclude the Phoenix Suns.
The idea would be for teams ranked 9-12 in the standings to compete in a four-team playoff of which the winner would earn the right to play the 8th seed for the final spot in the traditional playoffs.
The Phoenix Suns are currently ranked 13th in the Western Conference, two games behind the San Antonio Spurs for, what in this scenario would be, a coveted 12th spot.
Wow. “Coveted 12th spot in the Western Conference” is where we are now. Strange times, indeed.
The league is expected to make a decision on how to resume play in the coming weeks with some players suggesting games could start as early as July 4th. NBA basketball starting again on Independence Day would be the kind of fireworks I’d actually enjoy seeing sprawled all over social media.
In the meantime, players are left with individual workouts at Veterans Memorial Collessium where at least they have the Talking Stick Resort Arena court to practice on. It’s hard to say who will take advantage of the four-player-at-a-time workouts allowed by the NBA, but we know for sure Jevon Carter is one of them.
He released a short video on his Instagram story saying how happy he was to be back and giving us a glimpse at what it looks like inside the Madhouse on McDowell. It’s a good thing because no fan will likely ever be permitted inside the arena.
There seems to be the fluorescent lights of a basketball arena at the end of this quarantine tunnel, but for now, everyone continues to wait.